Over the years, water has served different functions in skincare formulations. According to Rhonda Allison, founder and CEO of Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals, the fact that water evaporates has led some manufacturers to focus on developing concentrated products with essential oils and botanical extracts as a base. Jaklin Idris, assistant vice president of education at Decléor, notes that flower waters, also called herbal distillates, are growing in popularity.
“The actual chemical components of these herbal distillates have not yet been fully identified, but plant distillates will usually contain essential oil compounds as well as organic acids and other water-soluble plant components,” she says. “Compounds with a higher vaporization point will remain behind and will include many of the water-soluble plant pigments and flavonoids. Also combining the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy with pure water in order to create lighter fluids is very beneficial for the skin, as these products have the power to induce higher levels of hydration in the skin.”